Ok, let me start by saying, I don't want to build a 360... I actually picked one up for $100, but I'm pretty sure it needs a crank. I've also read several articles about the potential hidden within the 318, not to mention they're so durable. I have access to 2 318's. A '71 2bbl out of a Satellite, which ran great and has appx 60-70k on it when it got yanked in favor of a 383. And the TBI 318 ('89) currently in the truck. From what I've been reading, they both have their advantages.

The old 18 should have a forged crank. The newer one should have the swirl port, small chamber heads (better mix and compression). The new one also has factory roller cam/lifters (which I realize can be adapted to older block).

I'd like to combine the best of both worlds with a decent cam, 4bbl, and headers to end up around 275-300hp and 300+ tq. It's a daily driver so I need to be able to afford to feed it, otherwise I'd buy a 408 kit for the 360.

So, with what I know, or think I know, I should use the newer block with the bottom end from the old motor, and clean up/refurb the newer heads. For budget's sake, I'm gonna keep the stock valve sizes but maybe try to compensate with a longer duration cam to get enough air/fuel in to keep it happy to atleast 5k rpm. Basically I need the most bang for the buck by using the most free stuff I already have.

Anyone else got $.02 worth of insight?

 

The one thing I have seen is that if you throw a bunch of unmatched performance parts together the result is very seldom the best result available for the money.

My $.02 of insight is: If you want a certain outcome you should find a published rebuild that has already accomplished what you want and has been dyno tested. Then copy it exactly.

 

do it to it buddy. the only way that you will discover new seas is by not being afraid to lose sight of the shore. be unique and build your own instead of doing what everybody else is doing. just my buffalo .05 nickle.

 

I agree with both of you guys. Just throwing parts together can lead to disaster. However, we're talking stock parts as far as block, bottom end, and heads. If blocks are basically the same, I'd go with the old. I plan on a hydraulic flat lifter cam so not having the roller option of the '89 doesn't bother me. If the older crank is forged vs cast in the new, all other things equal the forged is the no-brainer choice there. So really the biggest advantage I see the '89 has is the heads. No matter which heads I went with I'd have them cleaned up as much as possible without breaking the bank. Cam will depend on whatever I end up doing with the bottom end and heads. But dual plane manifold, 4bbl, and headers will be a must, as well as a good ignition system.

Now if I need cylinder boring that forced me to get pistons, I could get higher comp ones and use the heads off the 360 I have (bigger valves). Decisions decisions... did I mention I have 3 904 trannies to choose from?

 

I was under the impression that the 318-3 was the only 318 that had the forged crank but I could be wrong.